Alternatives to Sheet Copper Roofing

Considering an alternative to sheet copper roofing but not sure where to start? What are the alternatives, how do they compare to copper roofing, and how do they compare to the liquid polymer copper roof alternative?

 

Copper Shingles:

Copper shingles are made by fixing copper sheets around asphalt shingles, increasing the lifespan of the standard asphalt shingle. The main advantage is that copper shingles are more affordable than full sheet copper (though they're considerably more expensive than many other systems and prices vary depending on quality). Shingles are light (compared to slate, etc.), meaning less structural roofing work is likely to be necessary. However, as around a third of a shingle's length is lost in the laying, you're obviously paying for considerably more copper than will ultimately be seen.

Problems to consider with copper shingle roofs:

  • Theft risk increased by copper shingles - considerably easier to remove than an entire copper roof! This can increase your roof insurance excess or premium significantly - see our special copper theft and insurance section.
  • Price: Copper shingles remain expensive compared to other roofing systems, including the liquid polymer system. Roofing companies offering copper shingles very cheaply are offering shingles with a poor lifespan. Companies that say their copper shingles will last 50 years use a thicker gauge copper that costs considerably more. As a guide, copper shingles cost about the same per square metre as slate - which will last between 50 and 110 years depending on the slate used (50 years for Chinese, more for Spanish, around 110 years for Welsh slate)
  • Lifespan: Although copper is very long-lasting (sheet copper can last 150 years), copper shingles can only last as long as the underlying asphalt slates. The lifespan of the asphalt will be increased by the copper but the roof will still last nowhere near as long as copper on its own. Information on this subject is confusing, with some experts claiming copper shingles must be replaced every 5-8 years, and some claiming they will last 20, 30, or even 50 years: it depends upon the type of copper shingle used and on whether you'd rather replace your shingles than allow their copper to 'patinate' naturally.
  • Maintenance: Companies selling copper shingles often claim they require no maintenance. Whilst good regular maintenance will ensure you shouldn't have to call out roofers for roofing work very often, this is misleading - No maintenance will mean more visits from your roofer, greater expense, and more frequent replacement of the copper shingles.

 

'Copper Paint':

 

Copper Paint Copper AlternativeA low-cost alternative to copper roofing is copper liquid paint, a roof coating with copper alloy flakes mixed in. Its manufacturers say it imparts an authentic copper finish, which can be applied over a variety of surfaces and eventually ages to the patina green associated with copper. Copper paint is often guaranteed leak-free for 10 years.

Copper roof paint has its own problems:

  • Our experience of rescuing roofs that have been coated in liquid copper paint products has left us less than impressed with the copper paint system (and we're open to different systems - if we think something works well, we'll use it! We don't use liquid copper paint).
  • You get what you pay for - it's cheap (around £10 per m2) and as per its claims, we've found the copper roof paint does last nearly 10 years; however after this, it tends to leak a lot - hence we get called in to polymer coat the entire roof.
  • Many people find the paint's copper effect a bit 'tacky'
  • Copper paint won't stand up to natural expansion and contraction of the roof over time
  • Copper paint won't fix splits in the roof (it will only fill pin-holes, just as paint does).
  • For a few more pounds, your roof can benefit from a fully reinforced roofing system, rather than just a thick paint.
     

As a cheap DIY option, copper paint may be for you, particularly on one-storey properties where no scaffolding is required. You'll certainly save money (provided you're doing it yourself) but the copper colour may not look authentic and you'll have to redo the whole roof in 10 years time, which should be factored into your costing.

At around £47 per m2 (including VAT and all labour and installation costs), the liquid polymer roofing system is, we think, far better value for your money - offering a far higher overall specification, 20-25 years of fully guaranteed roof service, and superb quality and 'look' (we have mastered the corroded copper colour). Of course, you might think we would say that - but we WANT to give the best roof performance at the best price! If we thought a different product was better (and we have a great deal of experience), we'd be using that instead.

For more information or a FREE no obligation on-site assessment, simply call us FREE on 0808 144 2055 or email with your query - we can help with most roof-related questions and never pass your details on to anyone else.